FWD Hong Kong expands care as awareness gaps persist

Sixty-nine percent said they do not understand or have never heard of palliative care services.

FWD Hong Kong has announced an upgrade to its FWD Care platform, introducing new support services in collaboration with HKSH Medical Group and Haven of Hope Sister Annie Skau Holistic Care Centre. 

The services cover complimentary early detection for Alzheimer's disease, an expanded cancer second medical opinion service, and a palliative care referral service.

A recent survey by FWD found that 78% of respondents consider non-financial support, such as specialist referrals and second medical opinions, as important as financial payouts during a serious illness diagnosis. Additionally, 69% expected emotional, psychological, and bereavement counselling to be available.

To address early detection needs, FWD is collaborating with HKSH Medical Group to offer eligible health insurance customers complimentary Alzheimer's disease screening, which includes a blood test evaluating the p-Tau 217 biomarker and two consultations at the HKSH Family Medicine & Primary Care Centre. 

FWD and HKSH have also expanded a complimentary face-to-face cancer second medical opinion service at the HKSH Cancer Centre to all FWD health insurance customers.
In addition, FWD has partnered with SASHCC to introduce a palliative care referral service under the FWD Care recovery plan.
Eligible customers can be referred by a dedicated FWD Recovery Nurse for a comprehensive assessment by a team of doctors, nurses, and social workers.
The survey also highlighted that dementia affects 10% of Hong Kong residents aged 60 or above, rising to 50% amongst those aged 85 or above. 
Whilst 57% of respondents expressed concern about developing dementia, local projections suggest the number of people living with dementia in Hong Kong will reach 550,000 by 2045. 
Regarding end-of-life care, 30% of respondents preferred home care and 23% preferred a palliative care centre, yet 69% stated they did not understand or had never heard of palliative care services.